Cash for South Hams community groups

Help with cost of living

Community groups in South Hams may be eligible for a share of a £50,000 fund, set up to help voluntary groups in the district. 

It comes as part of South Hams District Council’s (SHDC) cost-of-living response plan, endorsed by councillors in October, which also agreed to take immediate steps to progress support payments to families receiving a council tax reduction. 

However the two new grant schemes, worth up to £2,500 per group, are aimed at voluntary and community groups and can be used for projects which work to support the cost-of-living crisis.

The first scheme, the “Winter Wellbeing Fund,” offers up to £2,500 towards addressing residents’ wider health and wellbeing impacts such as improving mental and physical health and promoting participation in activities to disadvantaged and isolated groups.”

The second scheme, the “Cost-of-Living Action Fund” offers up to £1,000 for community schemes which directly contribute helping with the cost of living, for example ‘warm banks’ or providing warm meal clubs for residents.

Conservative Councillor for Woolwell, Nicky Hopwood, who is SHDC’s lead member for cost of living, said: “So many of our communities in South Hams are already doing a fantastic job of supporting those people most in need.  Providing warm spaces and places to congregated so people do not feel alone this winter.  

“Many of these community already have good support networks of voluntary groups and organisations that are well placed to provide the kind of health and wellbeing that is required.

“That is why we are making this money available to them, so that they can continue the good work they have begun.”

Cllr Hopwood urged organisers of local community groups or clubs to get in touch if they need money for any special project which will improve the health and wellbeing of people in South Hams. 

An online form can be found at www.southhams.gov.uk/